Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton will take charge of the final Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup, as Switzerland and Colombia battle for the last remaining quarter-final spot. The winner will meet either Egypt or defending champions Argentina, who face each other earlier in the day.

Barton's World Cup journey so far

This will be Barton's third assignment of the tournament. He previously oversaw group stage matches between Turkey and Paraguay, and Japan and Sweden. At Qatar 2022, he refereed three matches — including England's Round of 16 tie against Senegal — making this his second World Cup appearance.

The 35-year-old made international headlines during the Turkey vs Paraguay match, when his theatrical announcement of a red card for Miguel Almiron — following a VAR review for covering his mouth with his hand — went viral. That decision made Barton the first referee to dismiss a player for that particular offence.

Officials for the match

Barton will be supported on the pitch by fellow Salvadorans David Moran and Antonio Pupiro, who serve as assistant referees. Mexican officials Katia Itzel Garcia and Sandra Ramirez will fill the roles of fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively.

What to expect from Barton's card record

Barton's disciplinary record is a study in contrasts. Across his three matches at Qatar 2022, he produced a combined total of just three yellow cards — a notably restrained figure. His domestic record in El Salvador's league during 2025 and 2026 tells a different story, with 12 red cards and 113 yellow cards issued across 21 matches.

At this summer's 2026 World Cup, Barton has struck a middle ground — five yellow cards in two matches, along with Almiron's red — suggesting a measured but attentive approach as the tournament enters its knockout stages.